Getting Around Rhodes – Transport Overview & Local Tips

Local guide to taxis, buses, car rental and transfers in Rhodes — helping you travel around the island easily, safely and stress-free.

This page is part of Discover Rhodes – your local guide to getting around the island with ease, confidence and zero stress.

Hey traveller! I’m Looneytravels — an online travel guide based in Rhodes. My goal is to help you plan a smooth, stress-free trip with clear, local information.

If you want deeper help planning routes, driving days or easy island loops, feel free to explore my Plan Your Rhodes Trip hub, the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026, or follow the ready-made Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary — they make getting around even easier.

Rhodes is a large island, and the way you choose to move around can completely shape your holiday — from how many beaches you reach to how relaxed your days feel. Many travellers plan transport together with activities and sightseeing, so you may also want to explore my Best Things to Do in Rhodes guide while planning how you’ll move around the island.

This page gives you a clear overview of how to get around Rhodes, helping you compare taxis, buses, transfers and car rental so you can quickly decide what suits your trip before exploring more detailed transport tips and guides.

If your main concern is how to get from the airport to your hotel without queues, confusion or last-minute stress, you can see a full comparison of travel times, comfort and fixed pricing here:

👉 Rhodes Airport Transfers (2026) – Private Hotel Pickup

If you’re wondering how to get around Rhodes during your trip, this overview will help you compare the main transport options quickly.

🚗 How to Get Around Rhodes: Overview of Your Options

Below you’ll find a quick comparison of each transport option before exploring detailed tips and local advice.

🧭 How This Transport Guide Is Organised

This guide is built so you can quickly find the transport style that fits your trip:

🚕 Taxis in Rhodes

What to expect, real prices, payment tips and local mistakes to avoid.

🚐 Private Transfers

The calmest and safest option for families, long routes and late arrivals.

🚌 Buses in Rhodes

How the two bus systems work, where they go, and when they’re practical.

🚗 Car Rental in Rhodes

Why locals recommend it, real prices by season, and what to avoid.

🎯 Choosing What’s Best for You

Simple guidance based on your hotel area, travel style and season.

To enjoy your days even more, make sure you’re familiar with your surroundings and your hotel area. You can read more in my guides:


👉Rhodes Island Greece Hotels
👉Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car

⭐ Getting Started With the Rhodes Transport Guide

Moving around Rhodes is simple — once you know the basics. The island has taxis everywhere, two completely separate bus systems, and many excellent local car rental companies. But there are also the classic holiday surprises:


• packed buses in July–August
• small taxi surcharges
• inconsistent card payments
• misleading online rental websites

This guide clears all that up so you can move around smoothly, safely and stress-free. Choosing the right hotel location can make transport dramatically easier, so it’s worth comparing areas inside my Rhodes Island Greece Hotels guide before finalising your stay.

⭐ Taxis in Rhodes: What to Expect

Taxis are available everywhere — airport, town, resorts and villages. There’s no Uber or similar app here, so everything runs traditionally: taxi stands, phone calls, or your hotel calling one for you.

Typical Taxi Prices (2026)

• Airport → Rhodes Town: €27–30
• Rhodes Town → Faliraki: €19–22
• Rhodes Town → Lindos / Pefkos: €70–85
• Faliraki → Lindos: €55–65
• Ixia → Old Town: €8–12

If you plan to rely on taxis during your stay, my Rhodes Taxi Prices 2026 – Don’t Overpay! Airport Fares, Resort Transfers & Real Costs shows real airport fares, resort routes, and what locals actually pay — and if you're comparing alternatives, you may also want to check my Best Guided Tours in Rhodes for organised transport and sightseeing options.

Payments

✓ Cash preferred
✓ Card sometimes accepted
✓ Always confirm the fare before entering

⭐ Local Tips from Looneytravels

• Taxis wait at the airport all day and night.
• Taxi stands display fixed prices for popular routes.
• If your hotel orders one, expect a €2–3 surcharge.
• In July–August, drivers are rushed and very busy.
• No shared rides — legally one group per taxi only.

Read my full guide: Rhodes Taxi Prices 2026 – Don’t Overpay! Airport Fares, Resort Transfers & Real Costs

⭐ Why Private Transfers Are a Safer, Smarter Option

Once travellers try a private transfer, many never go back to taxis. They’re calmer, safer and often the same price (or cheaper) for long distances or late-night trips. Private transfers also pair perfectly with organised excursions and sightseeing days featured inside my Best Guided Tours in Rhodes guide.

⭐ Why Private Transfers Work Better

✓ Professional drivers
✓ Clean, spacious vehicles
✓ No rushing or pressure
✓ Fixed prices and no hidden fees
✓ 24/7 availability
✓ Perfect for families, large groups and long routes

Many travellers also combine transfers with organised sightseeing routes, which you can compare inside my Best Guided Tours in Rhodes guide.

Some verified seasonal discounts for transfers, rentals and experiences are listed inside my Rhodes Local Deals & Exclusive Discounts page, where I collect trusted local partner offers.

If you want a deeper breakdown of when transfers are better than taxis, realistic prices by resort and what the arrival experience actually feels like, read the full guide here:

👉 Rhodes Airport Transfers – Private Hotel Pickup

⭐ Looneytravels Recommendation:

All services mentioned below are provided by independent, licensed Greek businesses. Looneytravels does not operate transport, transfers, or rentals — this guide simply shares local information and trusted recommendations.

G.E.S Travel AgencyA trusted local partner I’ve worked with for years — reliable, friendly, and ideal for stress-free transfers and private tours.
Mention “Looneytravels” for 10% OFF all services.

👉 Request a quote via WhatsApp — the message is prefilled with Looneytravels, so the 10% discount is applied automatically.

⭐ Rhodes Transport Guide: Understanding Buses

Rhodes has two completely separate bus companies, each covering one side of the island. Both begin and end in Rhodes Town. They are extremely cheap — but also slow and crowded in summer. If you plan to use buses for sightseeing days, you may also find inspiration inside my Best Day Trips in Rhodes guide, which highlights routes that work well using public transport.

🔵 R.O.D.A (Blue Buses) – West Coast

Covers:
Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kremasti, Airport, Filerimos, Pastida, Maritsa, Paradisi, all inland western villages (e.g., Soroni, Kamiros, Kritinia, Embonas, Monolithos)

New in 2026: A direct line connecting Airport → Kallithea → Faliraki → Kolymbia.

Tickets: Driver (cash only) or kiosks
Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes
Notes:
• You must wave or the bus does not stop
• Buses may skip stops if full

🟠 K.T.E.L (Orange Buses) – East Coast

Covers:
Faliraki, Kalithies, Psinthos, Afandou, Kolymbia, Archangelos, Haraki, Massari, Malona, Lardos, Lindos, Pefkos, Kiotari, Gennadi, Lachania, Kattavia, Prasonisi

Tickets: Driver (cash/card) or stations (Rhodes Town & Lindos)
Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes
Notes:
• Lindos buses are full all summer
• Evening/last buses are always crowded

⭐Bus Pros & Cons

✓ Very cheap
✓ Covers most resorts
✓ Good for short distances
✗ Very slow on long routes (Town → Lindos = up to 2 hours)
✗ Crowded in peak season
✗ Unpredictable timing in summer

As Lonely Planet mentions, buses work well for simple local trips — but not for full-island exploring.

If you're planning to rely on buses during your stay, you should also read my Rhodes Island Greece Hotels guide to choose accommodation close to major bus routes and transport hubs.

⭐ Car Rental in Rhodes (Local’s Top Choice)

If you want freedom to explore hidden coves and south-coast beaches, you can compare trusted local providers inside my Car Rental Rhodes guide.

⭐Why Renting a Car Makes Life Easier

✓ Total freedom with timing
✓ AC in the summer heat
✓ Perfect for families
✓ You reach hidden bays effortlessly
✓ Smooth for beach-hopping or road trips

⭐Average Daily Prices (Small Car)

April: €25–35
May: €30–40
June: €40–55
July: €55–75
August: €60–85
September: €40–55
October: €30–40

⭐ Looneytravels Recommendation:

Siech Rent a Car (North Rhodes)
Trusted, honest, no deposit, full insurance, new cars.
Mention “Looneytravels” for a juicy discount.

⭐Important Warnings

If you want to compare trusted local providers with full insurance and no hidden fees, you can explore my Car Rental Rhodes page, where I explain what to expect, how pricing works and which local companies are most reliable.

✗ Avoid third-party rental sites
✗ Avoid high deposits and excess fees
✗ Avoid scooters and quads — many accidents
✗ Don’t drive inside Old Town or Lindos village core
✓ Always take full insurance

Rhodes is easiest to explore when you have your own transport strategy — car rental makes island days smoother and more flexible.

If you're planning scenic drives, cultural stops or coastal road trips, you can explore ready-made ideas inside my Best Day Trips in Rhodes and Best Experiences in Rhodes guides.

⭐ Choosing Transport in Rhodes

Every traveller’s needs are different:

If you're planning activity days, beach trips and sightseeing together, you can compare options inside my Best Things to Do in Rhodes hub.

  • If you’re staying local → buses are fine.

  • If you want comfort → transfers are stress-free.

  • If you want full freedom → a rental car is unbeatable.

  • If your hotel is remote / south coast → don’t rely on buses.

  • If you travel in July–August → book everything early.

This overview helps you quickly understand the best transport option for your travel style, pace and budget before diving into more detailed transport advice.

If you’re still deciding how transport fits into your overall trip planning, my Plan Your Rhodes Trip hub helps travellers combine accommodation, transport, experiences and daily routes using local knowledge.

⭐ FAQ — Transport in Rhodes

❓ Is Rhodes easy to explore without renting a car?

Yes — if you stay in major resort areas like Rhodes Town, Faliraki or Lindos, you can rely on buses, taxis and walking for many daily trips. However, travellers who want to explore hidden beaches, mountain villages or the south coast usually find public transport slow and restrictive. If you want full freedom and flexible day planning, many visitors compare options inside my Car Rental Rhodes guide before their trip.

Are taxis in Rhodes reliable and safe for tourists?

Yes, taxis in Rhodes are licensed, safe and widely available across the island. You can find them at taxi ranks, book them through your hotel or call local companies directly. In peak summer months, demand is very high, so it’s always smart to confirm prices before starting your journey. For real route examples, airport transfers and resort fares, you can check my detailed guide: Rhodes Taxi Prices 2026 – Don’t Overpay! Airport Fares, Resort Transfers & Real Costs

Do I need to pre-book airport transfers or transport in Rhodes?

While taxis are usually available at Rhodes Airport during the day, I personally recommend booking private transfers in advance whenever possible. They offer fixed prices, professional drivers, cleaner vehicles and a much calmer arrival experience — especially after flights, late-night landings, or long journeys to southern resorts.

Private transfers are ideal for families, groups and travellers who want zero waiting or uncertainty. Many visitors also combine transfers with scenic stops, local sightseeing or full island excursions, which you can explore inside my Best Guided Tours in Rhodes guide.

👉 You can request a quote from GES Travel via WhatsApp — the message is already prefilled with Looneytravels, so your 10% partner discount is applied automatically.

Is driving in Rhodes safe for visitors?

Driving in Rhodes is generally easy and safe, especially outside busy town centres. Roads between resorts are well maintained, and most beaches and villages are simple to reach by car. Visitors should avoid driving inside Rhodes Old Town or Lindos village centre, where vehicles are restricted. If you're planning beach hopping, scenic drives or full island exploration, you can find route inspiration inside my Best Day Trips in Rhodes guide.

Is parking difficult in Rhodes holiday areas?

Parking is only challenging inside Rhodes Old Town and Lindos village during peak summer months. Most resorts, beaches and villages offer easy roadside parking or hotel parking areas. Travellers who plan beach-focused holidays or activity-based itineraries usually find driving the easiest way to move between locations. You can also combine transport planning with activities and sightseeing ideas inside my Best Experiences in Rhodes guide.

What is the best way to travel around Rhodes for a first-time visit?

The best transport method depends on your travel style. Buses work well for simple resort travel, taxis and transfers provide comfort, and rental cars give the most freedom for exploring the island. If you're still planning your overall holiday structure, accommodation location and daily routes, my Plan Your Rhodes Trip hub helps you organise transport together with your full itinerary using local knowledge.

⭐ Last Thoughts

If you’d like more structured planning tools for routes, beach days or full-day itineraries, you can explore:

Wishing you smooth rides, friendly drivers and unforgettable adventures around Rhodes!